Global Dispatches

Global Dispatches

Share this post

Global Dispatches
Global Dispatches
The Crisis in Libya Takes a Dramatic Turn
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More

The Crisis in Libya Takes a Dramatic Turn

Mark Leon Goldberg's avatar
Mark Leon Goldberg
Jun 25, 2020
∙ Paid

Share this post

Global Dispatches
Global Dispatches
The Crisis in Libya Takes a Dramatic Turn
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More
Share

Mary Fitzgerald a researcher specializing in Libya. When we last spoke, the Libyan conflict was intensifying very rapidly. For months, a renegade general named Khalifa Haftar had been attacking Tripoli, the seat of the UN-backed government. That assault was locked in a stalemate until Russia increased its support of Haftar’s forces, seemingly turning the tide. But then, Turkey announced that it was going to ramp up its support for the Tripoli government, setting the stage for a proxy war between Russia and Turkey -- among others. 

That was the state of play as we entered 2020. Then, in June, forces backed by Turkey finally ended Haftar’s offensive on Tripoli. Haftar’s forces are now on the retreat.

This dramatic turn of events in a civil war has profound international implications. In addition to Russia, the UAE, Egypt, and France have given political or military backing to Haftar, at least until now.  Meanwhile, the position of the United States has not been consistent, at times seemin…

Keep reading with a 7-day free trial

Subscribe to Global Dispatches to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in
© 2025 Mark Leon Goldberg
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start writingGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture

Share

Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More